Two major space companies SpaceX and Vast, have jointly announced an ambitious plan to launch the world's first commercial space station, named Haven-1.
This project aims to revolutionize the future of low-Earth orbit by creating a commercial space station that will serve as an independent crewed outpost before being integrated into a larger Vast space station currently under development.
Launch Date of Haven-1
The launch of Haven-1 is scheduled to take place no earlier than August 2025, with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket delivering the station to low-Earth orbit.
Subsequently, Vast-1, the first-ever human spaceflight mission, will ferry a crew of four to rendezvous with Haven-1 and remain in orbit for a maximum of 30 days.
It is worth mentioning that Vast has obtained an option with SpaceX for an extra human spaceflight mission to Haven-1 as well.
This announcement marks the first instance of a commercial space station company simultaneously securing a launch contract for its space station and planning a human spaceflight mission to it.
Jed McCaleb, CEO of Vast, expressed the company's excitement, stating, "Vast is thrilled to embark on this journey of launching the world's first commercial space station, Haven-1, and its first crew, Vast-1."
McCaleb expressed gratitude to SpaceX for their partnership, emphasizing that this collaboration represents the initial steps towards Vast's long-term vision of constructing larger, artificial gravity space stations in Earth orbit and beyond.
Tom Ochinero, Senior Vice President of Commercial Business at SpaceX, shared his enthusiasm for the project, remarking, "A commercial rocket launching a commercial spacecraft with commercial astronauts to a commercial space station is the future of low-Earth orbit, and with Vast, we're taking another step toward making that future a reality."
Read also: SpaceX Falcon 9: 48th Launch on 2022 Done, Achieves Record for Most Launches for a Spacecraft
Four Crewed Seats Available
To fund their pioneering endeavors, Vast is offering up to four crewed seats on the inaugural mission to Haven-1. Potential customers include domestic and international space agencies, as well as private individuals from scientific and philanthropic initiatives.
Detailed information about seat reservations can be found at vastspace.com/reserve.
Alongside the launch services, SpaceX will deliver comprehensive crew training on the Falcon 9 and Dragon spacecraft, ensuring the astronauts' readiness for their mission.
The training program encompasses emergency preparedness, exercises for spacesuit and spacecraft entry and exit, as well as simulations of partial and full missions, including docking and undocking maneuvers with Haven-1 for the return voyage to Earth.
Haven-1 offers docking compatibility with SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft for extended human spaceflights of up to 30 days with a four-person crew. It provides opportunities for scientific research, in-space manufacturing, and potential lunar artificial gravity experiments.
With independent life support systems, Haven-1 ensures crew safety and offers essential resources. Additionally, it includes amenities such as privacy, Wi-Fi connectivity, spacious interiors, and a large window dome for panoramic views.
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